RezaLoghme
Member
Decision Tree for Selecting the Ultimate 6x6 Street Stealth Camera
1. Camera Type
- Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR): Preferred for ground glass picture composition and discreet operation by looking down.
- Single-Lens Reflex (SLR): Excluded to avoid mirror slap noise.
2. Size and Compactness
- Compact TLR: Required for ease of use in street photography.
- Bulky TLR: Excluded (e.g., Mamiya C series).
3. Affordability
- Affordable: Necessary to minimize loss if the camera is damaged in a confrontation.
- Expensive/Cherished Models: Excluded (e.g., Rolleiflex 2.8F, GX, gold-plated collectors' versions).
4. Availability
- Widely Available: Prefer cameras produced in large numbers.
- Rare/Exotic Models: Excluded (e.g., exotic French cameras, rare pre-war German Zeiss models).
5. Built-in Exposure Meter
- Required: For convenience in street photography.
- Absent in Many Models: Excluded (e.g., many Mamiya and Rolleiflex TLRs).
6. Appearance
- Non-Flashy: Prefer cameras with minimal chrome and low profile.
- Flashy with Lots of Chrome: Excluded.
Optimal Choice
Yashica Mat-124G
- TLR Design: Yes
- Compact: Yes
- Affordable: Yes
- Widely Available: Yes
- Built-in Exposure Meter: Yes
- Non-Flashy: Mostly, but requires some modification (e.g., de-chroming the lens bayonets and blacking out/removing the Yashica logo).
Customization for Stealth
- De-chrome Lens Bayonets: Use matte black paint or tape to cover the chrome parts.
- Black Out or Remove Logos: Use black tape, paint, or stickers to cover the Yashica logo and any other reflective surfaces.